Last year saw another increase in road deaths - a total of 195 people lost their lives on Irish roads.

There will also be GoSafe vehicles deployed on 'speed enforcement zones' where fatal or serious collisions have occurred in the past. There are 727 speed enforcement zones in total which can be viewed on the Garda website.

The operation will consist of Garda high visibility speed enforcement activities on both national primary and secondary roads. All speed enforcement technologies will be utilised, including all laser handheld speed detection devices, Garda safety camera vans and in-car speed detection systems.

Superintendent Con O’ Donohue said: "Although fewer people have lost their lives on our roads this year compared to last year, we can never afford to be complacent and say the job is done. A significant number of people still drive too fast at times.

"The 'Slow Down' day has a simple aim, to get people to slow down. This will reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.”

Mr O’ Donohue continued: "We urge any person, company or organisation who wants to show support for our "Slow Down” day to send us photos, for example a thumbs up standing beside your car.

"It’s a novel way of getting people talking and thinking about road safety and what we can do to make the roads safer for all."

A dedicated email address has been created [email protected], or people can post them directly to Garda social media accounts.